Can the US win the AI cold war with China? How ISIL is using Big Tech’s AI to build bombs

The United States and China are engaged in an escalating competition for dominance in artificial intelligence, a rivalry some characterize as an "AI cold war". While the U.S. currently holds a slight advantage in cutting-edge AI innovation and integrating the technology into defense systems, China is rapidly advancing, leveraging cost-effective models and significant data reserves with the goal of achieving global AI supremacy by 2030. Both nations view the other's AI development with concern, leading to a "security dilemma" where defensive actions by one side are perceived as threats by the other. The U.S. has implemented export controls on advanced AI chips to curb China's progress, but Chinese AI models continue to grow more competitive and expand globally.

Amidst this geopolitical struggle, concerns are mounting over the misuse of AI by extremist organizations such as ISIL. A recent Cambridge University study, based on interviews with former members of Boko Haram factions, revealed that ISIL-affiliated groups are utilizing commercial AI chatbots for various operational purposes. These include devising explosives, planning attacks, troubleshooting combat issues, and covert communication. Fighters have reportedly consulted platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok for military advice, with some factions even establishing dedicated AI units staffed by technical specialists. Discussions on bypassing AI safety protocols to obtain weapons-related information have also been observed on pro-ISIL online forums. This suggests AI is functioning as a "force multiplier," enhancing existing militant tactics rather than inventing entirely new forms of terrorism.